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Description

Forging Ahead: Understanding The Iron Industry- AIA Practical Day.

The focus of this Association for Industrial Archaeology Practical Day will be the iron industry. This one-day workshop will look to provide introductory practical training and a broad understanding of the processes used and the buildings utilised in the historic iron industry.

The day will begin with a short introductory talk at Coalbrookdale focussing on processes, structures and landscapes, which will be followed by a walking tour which will take in the Old Furnace at Coalbrookdale, Bedlam Furnaces, and Blists Hill Blast Furnaces, and relevant sites of interest in between, developing upon the points raised in the introduction and working towards the aims and outcomes of the day.

The workshop will be led by Richard Hayman, an archaeologist and historian who is an expert on the historic iron industry, with assistance from local and not so local AIA members.

Transport/parking/accommodation

There is ample parking outside the Museum of Iron in Coalbrookdale, for which there is a £3 all day charge. The nearest train station is Telford, which is approximately 5 miles away. Local bus services and taxis are available outside the station. For more information call 08457 484950 or go to www.nationalrail.co.uk

If you are planning to stay, there is a variety of accommodation available in Ironbridge ranging from B & B to Hotels. Contact the Tourist Information Centre, Ironbridge, Tel: 01952 433424, or go to http://www.visitironbridge.co.uk/accommodation.

Lunch and clothing

Tea and coffee will be provided on arrival, and delegates are advised to bring a packed lunch with them for the walking tour (there are a number of shops en route so if you forget your lunch don't worry!). Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions, and remember to wear comfortable and waterproof footwear. The walk (c.5.5km) will mainly be on footpaths/designated walking trails and will include a relatively steep hill. Transport will be provided back to Coalbrookdale for those who require it.